By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
Each March, our nation celebrates Women’s History Month. During these 31 days we take the time to honor the accomplishments and historical contributions of women, while drawing attention to the challenges they still face.
President Jimmy Carter was the first to issue a Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week until 1987 when Congress passed a law designating March as “Women’s History Month. Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
The National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes a yearly theme. The theme for Women's History Month 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” As a former educator, I find this year’s theme to be especially poignant. But the education of our young women extends beyond the classroom.
Each fall I have had the opportunity to meet with future female leaders participating in the 1st Amendment, 1st Vote program. Last October myself and other local leaders joined the cohort for a roundtable discussion. I was moved by the commitment of these young women and inspired by their passion.
1st A-1st V is a unique, experiential learning program that prepares high school girls to engage in the political process. They learn about how to cast their first official voting ballot, the political process, and how to mount a campaign for elected office. As a public official, I believe this program is critical as we push for female representation at all levels of government.
Year-round our Erie County Commission on the Status of Women (ECCSW) connects local women with the resources they need to reach their full potential. Under the direction of Commissioner of Advocacy Karen King, the commission is comprised of 10 community members who make recommendations to coordinate, consolidate or expand the resources and services available to women.
In 2017 ECCSW launched the Trailblazing Women of Western New York Monument Project to highlight and celebrate the significant contribution of women in the development of this region and country. Last August we celebrated the placement of three Trailblazing Women Monuments with a ribbon cutting in Buffalo.
You can view these statues and learn more about the lives and contributions of Lousie Blanchard Bethune, Mary Burnett Talbert and Geraldine “Gawö:Sid-Tah” Green in front of Old County Hall, located at 92 Franklin St.
Women belong in government and in every industry. They deserve to be honored and recognized for their contributions to society. I am proud to work alongside a network of outstanding women in our community. They are leaders, trailblazers and role-models to our future generations. I feel so fortunate to have had my own great mentors throughout my life and to be surrounded by inspirational women each and every day. Let us remember that representation is important. When our young girls “see it” they can “be it.” I wish everyone a very happy Women’s History Month!